Most Muslim inhabitants in areas governed by the Arakan Army (AA) in the Arakan area have collectively reported that they can now travel freely without limitations.
Daw May Yi, a 46-year-old Muslim woman from Arakan State, stated, “Now, we have the ability to travel long distances freely. We have freedom. Under the junta, we required letters of recommendation. To journey a great distance, we required a National Registration Card (NRC), but since they didn't provide NRCs, we had to depend on letters of recommendation. We found it extremely challenging."
Under the former junta regime, Muslims in the Arakan area faced limitations on their movement between towns due to restrictions enforced by junta forces, law enforcement, and the Ministry of Immigration and Population.
Nonetheless, Muslims claim they can now move freely throughout the region with a letter of endorsement from the local officials of the Arakan State administration.
U Kar Lar, a 70-year-old Muslim elder from Arakan State, stated, “Historically, obtaining a letter of recommendation from immigration required payment of 50,000-70,000 kyats, plus extra charges. Currently, it has become significantly simpler. If you wish to visit Mrauk-U, you can. You can go to Maungdaw, Buthidaung, or even India if you wish. As long as you possess a letter of recommendation, you are free to go."
Moreover, numerous Muslims state that AA soldiers treat them kindly and without racial bias, as if they were blood relatives.
U Har Baat, a 43-year-old from Arakan State, stated, “There is no bias related to religion or ethnicity in this place. We can journey and coexist as a group. During the former administration, we were unable to accomplish that. However, now under the AA, we are free to travel anywhere. We possess our rights, and there are no issues.”
Numerous Muslims work in the AA's administrative sector as they endorse its mission.
During a press conference in 2022, AA representative U Khaing Thukha clearly mentioned that numerous Muslims are part of the AA.
Under AA governance, Muslims are allowed to farm, fish, trade, and participate in diverse forms of employment.
Nonetheless, because of the continuous conflict in the area, prices have increased significantly, making it hard for Muslim workers to fulfill their basic requirements.
Daw Aye Kyi, 40, from Arakan State, stated, “Life is not as pleasant as it once was.
Currently, there are fewer job opportunities available. Even if you secure a job, costs continue to rise. Previously, you could purchase beef for 10,000 kyats. At present, 10,000 kyats cannot purchase anything. There are days when I can’t even afford rice.”
The continuing conflict has impacted healthcare for Muslims, as certain international organizations have reduced their level of medical support compared to before.
Numerous Muslims were among those who died and were wounded by the junta's artillery shelling and recent airstrikes in the battle for dominance over towns in Arakan State.
On January 5, two Muslim women from Wa Kin village in Kyauktaw Township were among four individuals who died when the junta carried out airstrikes using a fighter jet on a group of people conversing on the phone near Aun Zone Pyin village in Ponnagyun Township.
Daw May Yi, a Muslim woman hailing from Arakan State, stated, “Individuals are perishing when the bombs drop. Simply hearing the noise of the planes causes my heart to race. I’m afraid, and the kids are afraid as well. Kindly refrain from dropping bombs in that manner.”
Moreover, Muslims report that amidst the battles for control of towns in Arakan State, the junta forcibly recruited many Muslims for military training and sent them to the frontlines.
Likewise, in Sittwe and Kyaukpyu, still under the control of the junta in Arakan State, thousands of Muslims have been forcibly recruited and sent to the junta's military bases.
